October 1995                        Volume VI, Number 10

              

Our topic for the October Day of Recollection will be the shadow side of religion and the value of critical discernment. It will give us space to explore our own experience in this area. Do you have anger, resentment, or other negative feelings toward organized religion, the church or God? Have you been judged, criticized, rejected or even spiritually abused by religious leaders or family members with good intentions? To explore and understand how and why this happens, it may be helpful to reflect on this topic.

We will meet at the home of Paschal Baute, 6200 Winchester Road, Lexington, from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, October 21st. Bring journaling materials to note your thoughts. We will have a pot luck lunch, so bring a dish to share with friends.

Our September Retreat at Knobs Haven was to give us time to focus on nature and how the workings of the natural world could be integrated into our spiritual life. Many of us have experienced the feelings of connection to that sacred and mysterious realm when we are walking or being quiet outside. Some natural spaces are very conducive to meditation. The wonder of creation catches us when we take the time to look. A great vista from a lookout or a minature universe in a patch of lichen on a rock can reveal goodness manifest for our enjoyment.

At this retreat we looked at how various dimensions of nature can be used as symbols or maps for our journey. On Friday evening we looked at what the four directions say to us; what they represent in our lives. Although they have not been used as much in Christian reference, they were precieved as active voices of the spirit by Native Americans and are part of mandalas in the Eastern traditions. Creation Spirituality links the four paths (ways to God) to the four directions. As a starting place, a worksheet asked us questions for each direction. To give you a flavor of the work I will paraphrase them here. What cold winds form the North blow in your life? Where do you find Eastern renewal? What situations bring you Southern warmth? What have the Western storms taught you?

Saturday morning we turned to the seasons for insight. These are more often used as metaphor and lend a bounty of images for relating to our journey as a whole. Spring is linked to birth, rebirth or resurrection. It often reflects joy and beginnings. Summer is a time of planting and growth. It is a time of relaxation and work. Fall is a time of transition. It has both melancholy of looking back as well as the contentment of a good harvest. Winter calls us to deal with death, or rest. It may signify a time of withdrawal or chilling in relationship. It may also be a time of intense inner activity. We tried to look at the images which were most relevant to us. Worksheets helped us to focus, and sharing gave support to our process.

Saturday afternoon, even though it was a rainy day was time for private reflection. A walk in the rain, communing with the ducks and trees allowed us to be with nature in our own way. We were all grateful for this time. Saturday evening, a yoga session put us in touch with our bodies. We breathed and stretched and then relaxed, feeling a healthy sense of humor as we rolled about. Sunday was a time for integration and creative grounding. Our closing prayer service was a wonderful reminder of that mysterious presense that supports us thoughout our spiritual journey.